United Way recently took a stand to support First 5 California, sending letters to Assembly and Senate members throughout the Bay Area to encourage them to preserve funding for this critical program. First 5 pays for children’s health insurance and education, as well as health and human services that benefit children and families throughout the state — many of the same programs that are also funded in part by United Way.
Recently, Governor Schwarzenegger recommended diverting First 5 dollars to the state’s general fund. Without this money, counties across California will lose services for thousands of children and families and give up millions of dollars in federal matching funds we simply cannot do without. Read United Way’s letter HERE.
The good news is, our efforts are already having an impact. Yesterday, SB1109 (Cox) was heard in the Senate Health Committee. This bill, which would strip the state and county First 5 commissions of their funding, was killed by a vote of 7 to 2! However, reconsideration was granted to Senator Cox, meaning he can bring it back to committee for another vote.
If you are interested in helping us advocate for First 5 funding, please contact Susan Jeong on United Way’s public policy team. She can be reached at sjeong@uwba.org or 415-808-4359.
